Regional Growing Guide: Northern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
Mild, rainy winters are a signature of this region, which stretches from Seattle to San Francisco, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade and Sierra ranges. Fall through spring, the northernmost parts may see more rain than sun. The experts advise a two-prong approach: select the many disease-resistant roses now available; and drench the soil and spray the canes and emerging buds in early spring with a generous dose of compost tea. Gardeners will be rewarded with a first flush of blooms in late spring, followed by waves of perfect buds and flowers all summer, and a final round of flowering in October and November.
Select a season: Spring Early Summer Late Summer Fall
Sugared Rose Petals
Ingredients
1 cup miniature rose petals, various colors
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
Cracked ice
Confectioners sugar
Preparation
Wash organically grown miniature rose petals in clear water and dry on wire racks or paper towels. Trim away tough, bitter ends.
Combine sugar and water in saucepan and boil until mixture reaches 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Pour the simple syrup into a bowl that you've set on a bed of cracked ice.
As syrup begins to harden, hold petals with tongs or chopsticks and coat evenly with syrup. Dry sugared petals on waxed paper.
Dust with sifted confectioners or castor (fine grained) sugar. The sugar can be colored with food coloring to match the hue of the petals.
Serve sugared rose petals over ice cream, creme brulee, as decorations on cakes, or as garnish for dessert plates.